The cation-exchange adsorbent (CEA) was prepared by radiation-induced grafting of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto polypropylene fabric and its subsequently phosphonation. The adsorption characteristics of Pb^(2+), Cu^(2+) and Co^(2+) to the CEA were discussed. The degree of grafting (%) for GMA increased with increasing reaction time, reaction temperature, and pre-irradiation dose. The maximum grafting yield was observed around 60% GMA concentration. The content of phosphoric acid ranged from 0.1 to 1.2 mmole/g with the 15% phosphoric acid aqueous solution. The adsorption of Pb^(2+), Cu^(2+) and Co^(2+) for the CEA was enhanced with increasing phosphoric acid content. The order of adsorption capacity of CEA was Pb^(2+)>Cu^(2+)>Co^(2+).